Dzana: Finding Authenticity Between Cultures and Sounds - Indie Emergente

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Octubre 2024 - Buenos Aires, Argentina

Dzana: Finding Authenticity Between Cultures and Sounds

Dzana’s music is a deep reflection of her roots and the fusion of different worlds she inhabits. Born and raised in Novi Pazar, Serbia, with Bosniak and Muslim heritage, her sound blends the alternative R&B rhythms that shaped her early musical journey with the oriental elements that speak to her cultural background.

In this interview, we dive into the making of her latest song, “Secret Skies,” a track that is both intimate and expansive, pulling listeners into an emotional soundscape. From her self-taught approach to composition to her intentional defiance of commercial trends, Dzana shares insights into the creative process behind her music, the challenges of staying true to herself in a fast-paced industry, and how her unique soundscape reflects her personal journey.

 ​Por Tina Sollosky

Secret Skies” has a very introspective and emotional atmosphere. How did the idea for this song come about, and what inspired its lyrics?

The idea for the song first started with me wanting to write over synth strings. I just loved the sound and how mystical it felt. Once I came up with the chords, the first line just opened up the storyline itself. The lyrics and the title of the song were inspired by my favourite poet, Rumi, and his line “This is love, to fly toward a secret sky, to cause a hundred veils to fall each moment.” It fit perfectly with the melody and the feel of the song. From then on, I added some personal experiences to it, and there you go.

 

Your music incorporates alternative R&B influences, but also has oriental elements. How did you manage to fuse these sounds, and how do they reflect your roots in Serbia?

 

I don’t think I was very intentional with fusing the sounds, more so, I was just searching to find what sounds like me. I grew up as a Disney kid; I listened to a lot of Western music, but what always felt like home was R&B. It always felt inviting, enticing and it felt like where I belong. It shaped my whole view of music. Then, on the other hand, growing up in Novi Pazar, with my Bosniak and Muslim roots, it’s inevitable to be surrounded by oriental music. So as soon as I hear the sound of saz, Arabic oud, or darbuka, I immediately feel at home. Arabic oud is one of my favourite sounds in the world, which I’m so excited to explore with my upcoming music, but for this song in particular, I wanted the synth strings to be the center of attention, which sounds more contemporary, and the oriental elements were subtle in the melody and the descending chord progression.

You’ve mentioned that “Secret Skies” is not just a love song, but an experience. What emotions do you hope to evoke in your listeners with this track?

My aspiration is to evoke emotion with all of my music. I created this song with one story in mind, but once the listeners hear it, it can mean something completely different to them, and I think that's beautiful. So, my hope with this track and any other track I create in the future is for listeners to simply feel.

 

As an independent artist, you have full creative control over your music. What are the challenges and advantages of maintaining this artistic independence?

 

To be honest, the thought of not having complete creative control over my art is quite daunting to me. I find it difficult to imagine not having a say in what I create and present to the world. Most importantly, having full creative control allows me to maintain my honesty, authenticity, and freedom. I am in charge of my sound, my art, my visuals, and my intentions, which enables the listeners to hear me directly, without any intermediaries who might have their own ideas about how I should sound or what is currently popular.

Regarding the challenges of being an independent artist, it can indeed be quite demanding. There is a significant amount of hard work involved that often goes unnoticed by others. It requires a lot of planning, organization, and problem-solving. Essentially, you are taking on the responsibilities that would normally be handled by a record label, which is not a one-person job and can become overwhelming.

I don't really consider what is commercial and what is not. I concentrate on what I wish to create and what is genuine to me.

In a music world dominated by commercial formulas, how do you manage to stay authentic and resist the pressure to conform to trends?

I don't really consider what is commercial and what is not. I concentrate on what I wish to create and what is genuine to me. So if what is genuine to me is alternative to someone else, I respect that. However, what I do try to avoid is predictability of sound or lyrics, but most importantly song structure. I dislike composing songs in a certain structure that is considered trendy. I believe a song should have a life of its own and not be forced to fit a certain structure. Music should make you feel, not numb you.That is why I tend to gravitate towards artists who are not radio-friendly, I suppose.

 

Secret Skies” invites listeners to explore the deeper and more vulnerable emotions of love. Why is it important to you that people connect with those emotions through your music?

 

Sometimes music says what we can't say, sometimes it makes us realise what we feel, sometimes it just makes us feel good. So, for me, to be able to play a small part in someone's day, someone's ability to relate, or just give good energy is more than I could ask for.

 

You’re a self-taught artist. How has that influenced the way you compose and produce music?

 

Being a self-taught artist means there are no rules to follow, since no one has imposed them on you to begin with. It means you are your own biggest critic. It entails a lot of hard work and dedication. It also means constantly learning and studying. So, the way I compose is that I trust my own instincts, and so far, it has proven to be good enough.

 

The fusion of modern sounds with traditional elements in your music creates a unique style. How do you decide which influences to incorporate into your songs?

 

I believe that incorporating traditional elements into contemporary music is not a new concept. In the 2000s, R&B music frequently incorporated traditional elements, and numerous rappers and singers have sampled and utilized traditional musical scales. My intention is to create music that is authentic to my experiences and resonates with my inner self, rather than attempting to be revolutionary. Often, I do not consciously incorporate influences into my songs; they naturally converge in my mind and manifest themselves. I just decide which aspects should be emphasized, depending on the song.

In “Secret Skies,” there’s a delicate tension between intimacy and distance in relationships. Is that something you’ve experienced personally, and how did it influence your creative process?

Absolutely. I put my personal feelings and experiences in fictional stories to make them more human, more vulnerable. For me, it's easier to access the truth than the fiction. This is not an entirely fictional story, it holds pieces of my memories or perhaps, the things I could've said. The tension between intimacy and distance is delicate, but it is exactly what heightens the emotions, the wanting. It can be confusing, but inviting and I feel like that's what appeals to us as humans.

 

Coming from a culturally rich place like Novi Pazar, how has your hometown shaped your musical perspective and the way you connect with the world?

 

My hometown is a special place, but its uniqueness can be quite specific. I sometimes feel that those outside our town may not fully comprehend our distinct culture, traditions, religion, and mindset. While this can be a source of pride and beauty, it can also lead to a sense of isolation. But I do appreciate the fact that our town fosters a spirit of determination and ambition, which may sometimes make us appear formidable to others. In this sense, I believe my upbringing has instilled in me a go-getter attitude and confidence in my musical abilities.

 

Your music seems very focused on emotional connection with the listener. What kind of feedback have you received from your audience about “Secret Skies” so far?

 

Fortunately for me, the song has been received the way I wished it would, so far. People have appreciated the atmospheric vibes of it, and I've been told that it's well thought out. So that's very nice to hear. 

 

What can we expect from you in the future? Are you working on more music or other projects that continue to explore this personal style?

 

There is much more to come. I am diligently working on my debut album, treating it as the magnum opus of my life's work. It will encompass a diverse range of musical styles and pay homage to the many influences that have shaped my artistry. This is merely the beginning of my musical journey, and I am filled with immense excitement and anticipation as I feel I have a lot to say and to share.